In a dreadful incident a “mentally deranged” jawan of 10th NAP (IR), posted in West Bengal’s Purulia district for anti-Naxalite operations, shot to death his officer and one West Bengal police personnel in the wee hours of Thursday. The incident took place after the 10th NAP (IR) battalion had celebrated their advent Christmas programme Wednesday night. According to sources, the incident took place at around 2 a.m. Thursday, when the accused, identified as constable Purlemba, fired some shots from his service rifle (AK rifle) at the West Bengal armed police sentry, who later succumbed to his injuries. On hearing the shots, the officer, identified as ABSI K. Dominic Zeliang (RO and Junior Adjutant of the unit) along with another colleague rushed out from their tents to find out the cause of the firing. Seeing the situation, the ABSI Dominic tried to stop the jawan and got shot at in the process. Sources disclosed that the ‘deranged’ jawan pumped in five bullets into the Naga officer and also killed the WB police personnel. However, IANS quoting Purulia police superintendent Sunil Chowdhury said: “A jawan (paratrooper) of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) Nagaland shot his superior following a heated argument late Wednesday. Hearing the sound of firing inside the camp, another jawan of the state armed police, on duty at the main gate of the camp, rushed inside and was also shot by the Naga jawan.” A case has been registered against the accused jawan, and he has been remanded to the custody of West Bengal Police, sources added. The body of the slain officer will be flown to Guwahati, and then proceed to Dimapur by road.Meanwhile, DGP K Kire has deputed DIG (Training & Border) Vicasshe to investigate into the incident. It may be mentioned that six companies from the 10th NAP (IR) battalion have been deployed in Purulia for anti-Maoist operations several months back.PVC condemns Poilwa Village Council (PVC) Nagaland has strongly condemned the killing of ABSI (RO) of 10th IRB Kwerieheung Dominic Zeliang by one jawan of the same battalion on December 2 in West Bengal. The council stated that late K. Dominic, hailing from Poilwa village was a dedicated officer serving in the 10th IRB for the past three years, and was posted in West Bengal at the call of the Naga jawans by the central home ministry. Stating that the village has lost a “great soul” in his demise and that it would always remember the contributions that he made to Poilwa people, PVC also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members. Further, condemning the “heinous act committed by the senseless jawan”, PVC called upon the government of Nagaland and responsible authorities to give the “most severe” punishment to the culprit as per the rule and laws of the land.